CHICAGO, IL – Truck accidents are some of the most devastating types of collisions that occur on Chicago’s busy streets and highways. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents often lead to serious injuries, extensive property damage, and sometimes, tragic fatalities. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, knowing how to handle your claim is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first and most important step after a truck accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s critical to get evaluated by a doctor. Injuries from truck accidents can be severe and may not always be immediately apparent. Conditions like internal injuries, concussions and whiplash may develop over time, so a thorough medical assessment can help identify issues early and create a record of your injuries. Medical documentation will also be essential if you decide to pursue a claim.
Report the Accident to the Police
Once you’ve taken care of your health, reporting the accident to the police is a necessary step. In Illinois, all accidents involving injury or significant damage must be reported to the authorities. A police report will provide an objective account of the incident and may include crucial information, such as witness statements and initial determinations of fault, which can strengthen your case later on.
Determining Liability in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are complex for several reasons, one being the number of parties that could be held liable. Unlike typical car accidents, where fault is usually limited to the drivers involved, truck accidents often involve multiple entities. The truck driver may have been negligent, but the trucking company, truck manufacturer or even a maintenance provider could also be responsible. For example, the company that owns the truck might have failed to maintain the vehicle properly, or the cargo may have been loaded incorrectly by a third party. Determining liability in these cases requires a thorough investigation, often involving accident reconstruction experts and an analysis of maintenance logs, driver logs and employment records.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be especially challenging. Trucking companies typically have large commercial insurance policies, and their insurers will aggressively defend against claims to minimize payouts. This is why having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side is essential. A skilled lawyer will know how to negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and protect your rights throughout the claims process. Your attorney will handle communications with the insurer, ensuring that you don’t accidentally say anything that could be used to reduce your compensation.
Act Quickly: The Statute of Limitations
It’s also important to be aware of the statute of limitations when filing a truck accident claim in Illinois. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, because truck accident cases are often more complex than regular car accidents, it’s crucial to begin working on your case as soon as possible. The earlier you start the process, the better your chances of securing vital evidence, such as video footage, black box data from the truck and witness statements. If the trucking company or its insurer gets ahead in their investigation, it could hurt your claim.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries
If your case goes to court, your attorney will present evidence showing that the truck driver or another party was negligent, and that this negligence directly caused your injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases, if the trucking company acted with extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Handling a truck accident claim is no small task, but with the right legal team, you can navigate the complexities and ensure that your rights are protected. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident in Chicago, it’s essential to act quickly and consult with our team of experienced personal injury attorney’s. Our firm is here to guide you through the process, fight for your compensation and help you focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact us today at (312) 384-1920 or fill out this form for a free consultation and to learn how we can assist you in handling your truck accident claim.
